The efforts of a group of Southland police staff raising money to help Brian ''Blizz'' Cowie, a former colleague accepted into an experimental stroke treatment programme in the United States, have received a significant boost.
A rugby jersey signed by the members of the current All Black squad has been donated by Paddy O'Brien, a former professional rugby referee and former head of the International Rugby Board's Referee Board who was also a police officer for 17 years.
Already close to $20,000 has been raised in six weeks for Mr Cowie, who was the Southland CIB team boss and a rugby referee and schoolboy rugby coach before a debilitating stroke almost three years ago left him with severe communication and mobility issues.
The rugby jersey would be auctioned in Invercargill tomorrow night during a fundraising quiz night and could fetch several thousand dollars, Detective Sergeant Mark McCloy said yesterday.
There was a reserve price, which he would not reveal.
Bids from absent bidders would be accepted, he said.
Anyone interested in bidding can phone him on 021 191-5182.
